Deadline March 1, 2025.
The English Department is pleased to announce the Dr. Barry Berkey personal essay award. This annual award was made possible by the gift of Velma Berkey in honor of her husband Barry. The Berkeys are themselves authors and generous supporters of George Mason University.
There is a prize of $500 associated with the award. In addition, the student winner will be recognized at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences annual convocation, at the English Department's annual awards reception. The essay will be published in English Matters, the English Department Alumni magazine.
Entry Criteria
Contest open to English majors in the CHSS with junior or senior status - at least 60 credits at time of contest.
Genre: personal essay.
1,000 words or fewer.
One essay per applicant per year.
Junior students may enter contest in both junior and senior years.
Submissions must be original, not previously published, and entirely true.
Entrants' names are blinded.
2025 due date for entries: March 1st, 2025
Entries may be submitted by email at english@gmu.edu.
The award winner will be announced in late April.
Please also refer any questions about the award to english@gmu.edu
December 11, 2024